Six Zero Black Opal Review: Six Zero is back with Top tier power!
If you’ve been following the pickleball paddle world for any amount of time, you know that power has become the buzzword of 2025. Every few weeks we hear about “the most powerful paddle ever made.” But with the release of the Six Zero Black Opal, that claim might actually be true.
This is Six Zero’s latest flagship model, a paddle that re-establishes their place in the conversation after a quiet period on the innovation front. I’ve been testing the Black Opal for a while now, and I think it’s safe to say, Six Zero is officially back.
A New Era for Six Zero
Six Zero built a huge following early on with paddles like the Double Black Diamond, but in recent months, they’ve been relatively quiet while other companies pushed the limits of Gen 3 and foam core designs. The Black Opal changes that. It’s one of three new paddles on the way from Six Zero, and it’s clearly the headliner. Their most advanced and ambitious paddle yet.
Now, before I get too deep, a quick disclaimer: I’ve heard that the version I tested might not be the final production model. Six Zero may tweak things slightly before launch, specifically the foam packing near the edge and reinforcement at the neck. Those updates could make the paddle play a bit differently, but it’s something to keep in mind as you read this review, as I don’t know if my model is before or after these changes.
Tech Breakdown: What Makes the Black Opal Different
The Black Opal is packed with new tech! Some that’s been done before in theory, but never quite like this. Here’s what’s under the hood:
Diamond Tough Grit
Six Zero claims to use actual diamond dust embedded in the paddle face to extend surface life and maintain grit over time. It’s similar in concept to Selkirk’s Infinigrit but feels distinct.
Now my Ruby Pro, which uses the same Diamond Grit tech felt insanely gritty, like sandpaper. My Black Opal, though, felt more like a standard carbon paddle face. Whether that’s a variance between production runs or something intentional, I’m not sure yet. Still, both paddles produce strong spin, so the system clearly works.
Power Gel Layer
This one’s a mystery in terms of exact details, but it’s a proprietary gel layer between the core and face that’s designed to amplify power and pop. Whatever it’s doing, it’s working. The Black Opal hits like a rocket. It might even surpass the Selkirk Boomstik in raw power, and that’s saying something.
Shock Shield Handle
Silicone injected into the handle helps reduce vibration and improve comfort. This is one of those subtle features that adds up over longer sessions, especially for players who experience fatigue or join issues.
New G4 Foam Core & Carbon Frame
Six Zero’s latest foam-core build, the G4 Core, combines a lightweight carbon frame and foam core to balance power with stability.
Specs
Static Weight: 8.26 oz
Swing Weight: 116.4
Twist Weight: 6.3
Core: 14mm Foam
Shape: Hybrid
Price: $250 ($225 with code PickleballBlast)
How the Black Opal Plays
Power
Let’s start with the obvious: the Black Opal is an absolute cannon. In its stock form, I felt like I was hitting harder than ever. While I haven’t even tested it side by side with the Boomstik yet I definitely think these are in the same conversation. The power feels deep and dense rather than hollow or stiff, which gives it a unique identity in the power-paddle category. I take a moment in my video review to compare the sounds of the ball coming off the face which I’d recommend checking out.
Control
Here’s where things get interesting. When I’m in control of a point, think mid-court drops, dinks, and drives I’m setting up, the Black Opal feels great. But when I’m reacting quickly in hands battles or trying to reset under pressure, it can feel a little jumpy. It’s definitely a paddle that rewards players who take the time to adjust to its feel and learn its response curve.
Spin & Feel
Spin generation is excellent, and I felt confident shaping the ball and creating topspin dips. The paddle’s dense, solid feel gives you plenty of connection without feeling harsh. While it’s a 14mm paddle, it actually plays more like a 16mm in terms of dwell time.
Final Thoughts: Who Is the Black Opal For?
The Six Zero Black Opal is a powerhouse paddle built for players who crave elite power but are willing to put in the time to tame it. It rewards precision and intentional play while punishing mishits or lazy resets.
If you’re the type of player who already loves power paddles like the Selkirk Boomstik or the Bread and Butter Loco but want something with a denser, deeper feel, the Black Opal should absolutely be on your radar.
